Major fire in London as fire rips through Somerset House

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Around 125 firefighters are at the scene of a fire at London’s famous Somerset House.

Pictures show smoke billowing from the roof of the former stately home, located on The Strand in central London.

20 fire engines were dispatched to extinguish the fire, which is on one side of the building’s roof.

Firefighters in high-visibility jackets escorted people away from the venue, carrying signs that read “fire assembly point”.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said: “20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters were deployed to a fire at Somerset House.

“Two of the brigade’s 32m ladders were dispatched to the scene to support firefighting operations.

A firefighter works at the scene of the fire at Somerset House in London. — Around 100 firefighters are at the scene (Image: REUTERS)

People walk next to an ambulance following a fire at Somerset House in London. — All staff and visitors were evacuated (Image: REUTERS)

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The director of Somerset House Trust said the fire broke out in the west wing of the building and there was “no artwork in that area”.

Viewed from Waterloo Bridge, smoke can be seen rising into the sky from a fire on the roof of Somerset House next to the River Thames in London. — Smoke pours from the roof (Image: James RYBACKI/AFP)

Jonathan Reekie, 59, has been director of the trust for 10 years and said: “What I can confirm is that a fire was noticed around midday in a corner of the west wing, the site was immediately evacuated and London Fire Brigade called. which arrived very quickly indeed.

“Everyone is safe and for now we want to let the London Fire Brigade get on with it and do their brilliant job.

“The west wing is mainly back-of-house offices and facilities, there is no artwork in that area.”

The trust is a registered charity established in 1997 “to improve public education by providing a center for the arts and to maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community as an example of English national heritage”.

The Met Police urged people to avoid the area. “There is significant disruption on the surrounding roads,” the force said on X,

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